Naruto: Starting with Infinite Chakra

"You must focus on improving your skills. If enemies ever threaten the hard-won peace we've built, you need the strength to protect it," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with righteous conviction.

"I'm sure none of you want to see the village destroyed by war or your comrades killed by enemies."

"Sensei, I'll train harder. I won't let that happen!" Tsunade responded loudly, her expression filled with resolve.

Even Orochimaru felt a surge of passion, nodding firmly.

Only Jiraiya seemed unfazed, barely suppressing a grin.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was at it again, giving one of his infamous pep talks. Yet, Jiraiya played along, feigning an intense, fiery demeanor.

"Sensei, if war ever threatens the village, I'll give my life to protect it! No matter how strong the enemy is, I won't back down—not even a step—until my last drop of blood has been spilled. If they want to destroy the village, they'll have to step over my dead body first!"

Jiraiya's passionate words, spoken with theatrical fervor, carried a surprising weight. For a moment, even he believed in his own performance.

'I didn't expect Jiraiya to be so responsible,' Tsunade thought, her perception of him shifting. She had always seen him as careless and irresponsible, but perhaps she had been wrong.

The village of Konoha, founded by her grandfather, Senju Hashirama, was precious to her. Protecting it was her ultimate goal, though her eventual departure had been born of disillusionment with the village's leadership.

"I feel the same," Orochimaru said, hesitating briefly. Though he lacked Jiraiya's dramatic flair, his sincerity was evident.

At this stage, Orochimaru had not yet been hardened by the horrors of war. He still held deep feelings for Konoha.

"With young people like you, the future of Konoha looks brighter than ever," Sarutobi Hiruzen said warmly.

"Such awareness of your duty is truly commendable. If all the new generation could be like you, our village would be in good hands."

"Sensei, you mentioned disturbances at the borders. Where exactly?" Orochimaru asked curiously.

"At the border with the Land of Rain," Hiruzen replied.

Jiraiya's expression shifted slightly. The Second Shinobi War was on the horizon. The major nations, struggling with stagnant economies, sought to expand their territory by annexing smaller nations. The Land of Rain, caught between the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and the Land of Earth, had naturally become the first target.

The war would soon erupt over disputes among the great nations over their share of the Land of Rain. The tension was palpable, and Jiraiya felt a sense of urgency. It was clear they would be sent to the battlefield.

"In today's lesson, I won't teach you new jutsu. Instead, I'll show you practical combat techniques. These are the kind of skills that can save your lives in battle, so pay close attention," Hiruzen said, exhaling a puff of smoke.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire had made his intentions clear—he wanted to invade the Land of Rain. Hiruzen, along with Danzo and other high-ranking officials, had already agreed. The war was inevitable, and Hiruzen was determined to prepare Jiraiya and his team for survival.

Though teaching them ninjutsu could enhance their abilities, sharing battle-tested tactics would be far more effective in ensuring they survived the coming conflict.

Hiruzen, who had served as the Second Hokage's personal guard, had experienced many battles. His knowledge of strategy, reading enemy weaknesses, and retreating when necessary was invaluable—things his students would otherwise have to learn the hard way.

"Now, attack me with everything you've got. I'll point out your flaws as you fight. Don't worry about hurting me—you're nowhere near strong enough to do that yet," Hiruzen commanded.

"Ninja Art: Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!" Orochimaru made the first move, weaving signs with precision. His tongue transformed into a black snake, darting toward Hiruzen with lightning speed.

This technique, a hallmark of Orochimaru's, wasn't just for direct attacks. It could bind enemies, drain their blood, or even inject venom. A true family-secret technique, it was as versatile as it was dangerous.

"Orochimaru, this technique is better suited for ambushes, not direct confrontation," Hiruzen remarked calmly. He tilted his body slightly, evading the snake before grabbing its head. With a swift motion, he swung the snake—and Orochimaru—violently aside.

"Dynamic Entry!" Tsunade charged forward next, her body enveloped in a swirling aura of wind chakra, enhancing her speed and strength.

"Tsunade, with such speed, why charge directly? Use it to circle your opponent first, create pressure, then look for an opening. Charging head-on makes you easy to block," Hiruzen advised.

His foot shot out, catching Tsunade mid-charge. She flew backward, landing heavily on the ground.

Jiraiya watched the scene unfold, making up his mind. Close combat was out of the question. With Hiruzen's sharp combat instincts, getting near him would only result in being knocked away.

"Shadow Clone Shuriken Jutsu!" Jiraiya launched a barrage of shuriken, their sharp edges cutting through the air with a piercing whine as they flew toward Hiruzen.

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